This order of spiders is so-named because of its
habit of digging a burrow into the ground, which is lined
with silk, and capping the burrow with a trap-door made
from layers of silk and earth.

The spider usually lays a
"trip-line" out from the trap-door that runs
down into the burrow. When an insect or other potential
prey disturbs the line, the spider darts out from its
burrow and captures its prey. The trap-door is often
coated with moss or some other form of camouflage, making
it virtually impossible to detect until it is too late.

trap-door spider getting its meal

Most trap-door spiders are rather large, with some
species being up to 4-1/2 inches across. They have four
lungs instead of two, and their jaws work vertically
instead of sideways. Each jaw also has a special row of
teeth, used to help the spider dig its burrow.

Females seldom stray far from their burrows,
especially when they have eggs or spiderlings. Eggs and
spiderlings are cared for by the mother for a few weeks,
with the mother feeding her young with excess food she
has captured.

Most species of trap-door spider are nocturnal.

Trap-door spiders are widespread throughout the
hottest regions of the world, with a few scattered
species found in more temperate zones.